Potted plants are a breath of fresh air, literally.
Not only do plants add style and tranquility to any interior, they also improve indoor air quality, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. You’d be shocked to find out what toxins are lurking around your house. In fact, there are roughly 500-1000 chemicals in the average home. In small doses, these chemicals are typically not harmful. However, exposure to large amounts of these toxins can cause a number of irritations to your body. Just as we detox our bodies from sugar or caffeine every once in a while, it is beneficial to detox your home on occasion. One of the best way to detox our living space is through the use of plants. Here are four benefits to bringing nature’s adornments inside the walls of your home. 
4 Ways Indoor Plants Improve Our Home And Our Health1. They Improve Indoor Air Quality
Did you know indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air? According to the EPA, sources of indoor air pollutants include, asbestos, VOCs, formaldehyde, and more.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases emitted from certain solids or liquids. They are found on common household items like paints, solvents, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, moth repellents, air fresheners, disinfectants, and even your dry-cleaned clothing. Asbestos is a mineral found in rock and soil that is often used in building materials due to its strength and heat resistance. It is most commonly distributed during renovation projects when cutting materials. Although you should eliminate sources of indoor air pollution, another great way to purify the air is with the use of indoor plants. Indoor plants purify the air by absorbing pollutants through their leaves and increasing oxygen levels. Some of the best plants to add to your living space are ferns, golden pothos, and aloe vera. Another great way to keep the air pure is to ventilate your home often. Open windows and doors to promote airflow. 
2. They Help You Sleep
Like thieves in the night, unseen toxins found in many household products can rob you of your sleep and harm your health in debilitating and sometimes dangerous ways. In addition to cigarette smoke, mold, air-borne bacteria, and dust, toxins emitted by many household products mix with the air you breathe and wreak havoc on your body and mind.
Adding potted plants to your bedroom removes toxins and increases oxygen levels, making the space a healthier place to sleep. Blood oxygen levels range from 94% to 98%. A drop in blood oxygen levels can cause arousal from sleep. Research indicates that low oxygen levels are linked to restless sleep that leaves you feeling sleepy in the morning. Additionally, when oxygen levels start to drop, carbon dioxide levels build up in the blood. This can lead to morning headaches, fatigue, and sleepiness during the day. Some of the best plants for improved sleep are English ivy, marginata, chrysanthemum, and Chinese evergreen. And just for the record, a good night’s sleep goes far beyond adding plants to your bedroom. Make the entire space conducive to sleep by decluttering, sleeping on a supportive mattress, and blocking out light.
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6" Pin Stripe Calathea Plant, homedepot.com
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9.25" Spathiphyllum Sweet Pablo, homedepot.com
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4. They Absorb Noise
Privacy hedges have long been used for blocking noise from busy streets. But as it turns out, indoor plants can help absorb some of the racket too. One study found that plants and their leaves absorb, refract or reflect background noise, thereby making the environment more comfortable for the occupants (another reason to add them to your bedroom).
Check out this infographic to learn more about 12 plants that improve your health and home:
Infographic courtesy of flymo.com
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